University News
Open Letter to Campus Community: Year-End Parties
April 12, 2012
Dear Campus Community,
As we near the end of the 2011-2012 academic year, students may be thinking about ways to celebrate prior to the start of final exams. In the past few years, some students residing within a two-block section of Wheeler Street have organized a block party. Western Illinois University is not a sponsor of, or affiliated with, this off-campus event.
During the course of the year, we have hosted numerous meetings with students who reside along Wheeler Street, as well as an open forum, that allowed students to ask questions of, and address concerns to, both city and University officials in regard to block parties, ordinances, and the city's permit process. The City of Macomb has recently adopted ordinances that will limit large gatherings within the city unless the gathering meets the city's permit requirements.
The University asks its students who may host a party, and to those who attend such a party, to act responsibly, be respectful of one another, and obey the law.
We understand the desire to celebrate the end of the school year, but past events have resulted in serious consequences for some students and the community. Last year, the Wheeler Street Block Party resulted in over 110 arrests. More than 12 people were treated on site and in the local emergency room for dangerous intoxication levels. Eighty-eight WIU students were subject to disciplinary action through Student Judicial Programs, resulting in such sanctions as probation (36), deferred suspension (3) and suspension (3).
From 10 a.m. Friday, April 27 through 10 a.m. Sunday, April 29, University Housing and Dining Services will limit the number of guests allowed in the residence halls. For more information on guest policies from April 27-29, visit wiu.edu/housing.
During the week of April 23, like so many other weeks during the school year, there are a variety of activities on campus (many at no cost to our students). Visit wiu.edu/calendar for a complete listing of events.
Good luck on your final exams, and to those students graduating in May, we extend our best wishes for a successful future.
Sincerely,
Jack Thomas
President
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing
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